Country Music Week 2014

Country Music Week began in 1977 as an annual event which heightens awareness and increases exposure for Canada’s country music artists. Today, Country Music Week is made up of three components: Country Music Week music festival, which includes a Songwriters’ Series, talent showcases and a full-day FanFest that is free and family-friendly, to name a few; the CCMA Awards Broadcast which is a 2-hour live, television special highlighting a year in country music; as well as an Industry Conference which allows the Canadian country music industry to honour those working behind the scenes as well as provides educational workshops and networking receptions.

Country Music Week 2014 will be held in Edmonton, AB from September 4-7. To see a listing of fan events click here.

It's impossible to ignore what some consider to be the greatest aspect of country music, and what makes it resonant as a genre - the songwriting. The CCMA Songwriters’ Series celebrates the crafting of original songs and the stories behind the words, indulging listeners with both new and familiar faces in the process. This four-day, acoustic performance series is sure to inspire and evoke strong emotions in all who attend; so be sure to stop by for a listen - you'll surely be glad you did.

From Canada’s most iconic country songs to today’s biggest hits, from up-and-coming artists to established faces you know and love, the Songwriters’ Series has something for everyone; and culminates on the Sunday of Country Music Week with a session that features master class songwriters from both sides of the border in a guitar pull setting. The CCMA Songwriters’ Series is open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased by the public at the Citadel Theatre Box Office. Click here for more information.

Come out to see the next generation of Canadian country music talent at the CCMA Discovery Showcase. Bringing together the six 2014 CCMA Discovery Program Finalists, one last time, each will take the stage to perform and prove why they should be Canada’s next big country star. The Finalists, who were selected through a rigorous, nationwide jury selection process, last met this past spring in Toronto for the CCMA Music Industry Discovery Week. During this week, they learned, in-depth, about the music business and artist development through industry-led information sessions and seminars, culminating with a private, industry-only showcase. Hosted by this year’s Slaight Music Humanitarian Award recipient, Beverley Mahood, the evening will also include a performance by the 2014 CCMA Discovery Award Winner, Wes Mack, as well as Mahood herself. And don’t forget, a secret panel of judges will be onsite to decide on this year’s CCMA Discovery Award winner, which will be handed out at Saturday’s CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards.

CCMA SEMINAR SERIES

This year’s seminar series, aptly named ‘Money Talks’, focuses on this key ingredient to industry success. With the ever-evolving advances in technology, the way music is consumed, shared and enjoyed is changing right along with its consumption. You will have the chance to hear about the changing landscape of music sales – physical album sales, digital album sales, digital streaming - and how each stacks up against the other. This presentation will be followed by a series of presenters who will each focus on different revenue streams within the music industry. Each topic will be specific and goal-oriented, and each speaker will be making time for a Q&A. If one of these talks doesn’t suit your fancy, sit tight, a new topic will be covered in 15 minutes or less. You won’t want to miss this all-encompassing financial discussion!

CCMA LEGENDS SHOW: A Tribute to Yesterday and Today

You won’t want to miss the CCMA Legends Show: A Tribute to Yesterday & Today at the Winspear Centre. This night will pay tribute to Canadian country hits of the past with legendary artists (Hall of Fame inductees) who will perform alongside rising and current stars of the industry. Tickets are now on sale at the Winspear Centre Box Office, click here to purchase online.

COAST-TO-COAST COUNTRY

Presented in partnership with: Association of Country Music in Alberta, British Columbia Country Music Association, Country Music Association of Ontario, Manitoba Country Music Association, Music N.B., Music Nova Scotia, Music P.E.I., Saskatchewan Country Music Association
Friday, September 5; 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
West Edmonton Mall, Newcap Stage

Head down to West Edmonton Mall to see performances from country music artists representing Canada from coast to coast! Through partnership with our provincial associations, the CCMA is pleased to provide you with a glimpse of country talent as diverse as Canada itself.

Join us at West Edmonton Mall for a line-up of some of Canada’s brightest country music stars! This free, larger-than-life music festival will feature back-to-back live performances by 15 fan-favourite artists. You’ll also have the opportunity to get your picture taken with these country music celebs at the Jiffy Lube FanFest photo wall. Be sure to arrive early to stake out your spot on the Ice Palace floor – space will be sure to fill in quickly! Please note: to keep photo lines moving, a professional photographer will be snapping the photos, save the battery on your smart phone to capture all the live performances! This event is free and open to the public. Artist and CCMA merchandise will be available.

CCMA PRE-SHOW

Sunday, September 7; 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Rexall Place

New this year, the CCMA is expanding the fan experience surround the CCMA Awards Show. Join us outside of Rexall Place for an afternoon of free entertainment and performances and appearances by Canadian country music’s biggest stars! At 1:00 PM, the Countdown Concert will begin, helping you wind down the hours until the Awards Show show time. From there, enjoy the glitz and glamour of the Green Carpet, as artists and Canadian celebrities pose with fans and chat with media before entering Rexall Place. Also onsite, food vendors, photo booths, radio stations live on location, and more. If you want to be where the action is, this is the place to be! Join the celebration, and share your experiences on social media with the hashtag #CCMAawards.

CCMA AWARDS COUNTDOWN CONCERT

Presented by Big Valley Jamboree and The Ranch Roadhouse
Rexall Place
Sunday, September 7; 1:00PM-3:00PM

Help us get the party started and set the mood for the CCMA Awards Show. With a fun, festival atmosphere, the Countdown Concert will feature some of your favourite Canadian country music artists! You never know who’ll you see on the Countdown Concert stage…artists performing on the CCMA Awards Show later that night will be popping by in between sets to let us know how things are shaping up inside for the big production. Take advantage of seeing some of the best known Canadian country acts for FREE outside of Rexall Place.

CCMA AWARDS GREEN CARPET

Presented by John Deere
Sunday, September 7; 3:00 PM – 4:30PM
Rexall Place

Presented by John Deere, and bigger, better and GREENER than last year, is the infamous Green Carpet. Nominated artists, performers, presenters and special guests will walk down the Green Carpet, which features an enhanced Fan Zone, a John Deere photo opp, a media corral and of course, a step-and-repeat. Access to the Green Carpet is limited; only accredited media will have access to artists and celebrity presenters for interviews and photos. Only invited guests will walk the Green Carpet. Fans are encouraged to get to the FanZone early for prime bleacher seating to get a glimpse of, and cheer on, their favourite stars.